fair shea

is a cooperative project of the French company BIONAT and the German online retailer l-carb shop.

Philippe in Ghana

Philippe from BIONAT in Ghana

Besides personal friendship, we are connected by our enthusiasm for the product shea butter and by our motivation to develop the poorest regions of West Africa through fair trade. Philippe Monmarche has been involved in development work in West Africa for 30 years. He founded the BIONAT Consult because he was convinced that sustainable development is only possible through fair trade. The internet business l-carb shop, founded by Susanne and Daniel Schaaf, has also been committed to social and environmental responsibility since its inception. 

Susanne e Daniel de l-carb shop

Susanne e Daniel de l-carb shop

The idea of fair shea is to eliminate the middleman and achieve efficient online trade with a relatively low margin. This makes it possible to pay a fair wage to women’s groups in Ghana, Burkina Faso, and the Ivory Coast who produce shea butter from the fruits of the wild-growing karité tree, while also offering the product at an attractive price in Europe.

Of course, it’s also about delighting you with shea butter, one of nature’s best gifts. While our African associates used shea butter to sooth chapped hands after work, the oil of the karité tree was unknown to most Europeans. Here you can read about the healing and nourishing effects of shea butter on your skin, how it protects hair from sun and the elements, and how natural cosmetics contribute to beauty and well-being.

We think you’ll be just as excited as we are. It would be great if you would share your experiences with us here on the blog, with friends, and on social media. In doing so, you’ll also support the women in the groups started by Philippe, who use the proceeds to feed and educate their children.

Recent posts

  • BBC Report about production of Shea Butter in Ghana

    This interesting BBC Clip informs about the prodution of Shea Butter and the situation of women in west Africa:

    http://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-africa-36372534/making-shea-butter-for-little-reward-in-ghana

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  • Shea for the paws

    Shea butter is be benefical for your pet. For example it protects (dog) paws in the winter against salt. We have also successfully used Sheabutter in the summer holiday, after a strenuous hike over the top of the peaks and stones or after a beach day at and in the sea. Our dog, who usually does not like to be touched at his paws, enjoyed it visibly. He seems to have liked the Shea butter. He always licked our hands with enthusiasm after the cream.

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  • Shea Butter conditioner

    A canditioner out of  shea butter provides the hair with important care substances, which penetrate deep into the hair and regenerate and strengthen it. The treatment prevents hair breakage and gives the hair suppleness and shine.

    There are now many recipes with shea butter for hair care.

    I myself prefer ingredients that are actually available in every kitchen and which have a good effect.

    For a hair treatment before the hair wash I take:

    2 tablespoons of shea butter
    2 tablespoons of olive oil
    1 egg
    1 teaspoon of honey

    The amount is good for medium to long hair. For short hair, shea butter can also be used pure.

    Eggs are nutritious for scalp and hair. The yolk contains above all healthy fatty acids and lecithin, which have a particularly moisturizing effect. There is a lot of protein in the egg white which improves the elasticity of the hair and makes it appear shiny.

    For centuries, olive oil has been used as a conditioner for the treatment and regeneration of damaged hair. The contained

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  • Consistency of Sheabutter

    Consistency of Shea Butter depends strongly on temperature. In sommer on warm days it can become very soft and even liquid. In winter days it will be quite hard, if you have it in your hand bag. You can use  a spoon or similar to get little pieces out of the jar. These will become soft again in your hands. If temperature in your appartment is to low, you can store the shea butter on a rediator. Shea Butter is used to higher temperatures out of its "homeland" Africa and will not be damaged by moderate heat. 

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